Editorial
Val’s Day not for immoral activities
VALENTINE’S Day (Val’s Day) is here again! It is a day meant for celebrating pure love, affection, compassion and friendship.
The Day is named after Saint Valentine, a priest who, according to legend, secretly married couples in Rome against Emperor Claudius II’s orders, which forbade marriage for young men to improve their soldiering skills.
Historically, it is tied to romantic love, as Saint Valentine stood for love, commitment and marriage, even at the cost of his life.
However, in modern times some people rather use the day to engage in immoral activities but considering the core perspectives on Valentine’s Day, it should be observed without falling into sexual immorality. Rather, it should encourage individuals to uphold moral standards.
These days the celebrations are often commercialised with all sorts of arrangements to buy expensive gifts for friends and loved ones.
Until recently, many individuals, groups and organisations have redefined Val’s Day which is viewed as an opportunity to show love to the needy, orphans, or friends, rather than solely focusing on romantic or sexual partner, with some suggesting that true love does not require sexual activity.
Some groups, including certain Christian denominations even frown on the celebration of Val’s Day as to them the pressure to participate can lead to increased cases of unplanned pregnancies, the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and the breakdown of relationships.
The Spectator is urging those who celebrate Valentine’s Day to celebrate it in moderation and focus more on expressing care to convey sincere affection to friends, family, and partners.
Since the Day doubles as Chocolate Day, it is even more appropriate to share gifts of chocolate products to friends and loved ones in order to promote Ghana chocolate to boost the industry.
We also propose that Valentine’s Day should be used for acts of kindness, volunteering, helping the poor, or engaging in charitable work to put smiles on the faces of others.
Instead of associating Valentine’s Day with immoral behaviour, physical intimacy or even focusing only on material gifts, individuals can choose to celebrate in ways that align with their personal values and moral principles such as spending quality time with loved ones.
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Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the increasing rate of road accidents on the Kumasi–Accra highway, which has become a source of fear for many commuters.
It is one of the busiest roads in Ghana, connecting two major cities and serving thousands of passengers daily. Sadly, almost every week, we hear reports of fatal crashes, injuries, and loss of property along the stretch. Many families have lost loved ones, and several survivors are left with lifelong injuries.
The causes of these accidents are not far-fetched. Over-speeding, reckless overtaking, driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and disregard for road traffic regulations are major contributors.
In some sections, bad road conditions, faded road markings, and inadequate street lighting also increase the risk, especially at night and during rainy weather.
It is worrying that despite repeated accidents, little seems to change. Drivers continue to overspeed, some commercial drivers drive under pressure to meet unrealistic travel times, and enforcement of traffic laws appears weak in certain areas.
I, therefore appeal to the relevant authorities, including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to intensify road safety education, enforce traffic laws strictly, and ensure regular patrols on this highway.
Road signs should be improved, damaged portions of the road fixed promptly, and speed limits clearly enforced.
Drivers must also take personal responsibility by obeying traffic rules, avoiding unnecessary overtaking, and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy. Passengers should speak up when drivers drive recklessly, because silence can cost lives.
Road accidents are preventable. Let us act now to make the Kumasi–Accra Highway safer for all users before more innocent lives are lost.
By Eugene Ampiaw, Takoradi
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Dear Editor,
THE incident of baby theft at the Mamprobi Polyclinic on Tuesday was quite unfortunate.
It is very sad that a woman that has endured nine challenging months of pregnancy and gone through a Caesarian Section to deliver would go through such an unfortunate situation.
We should be grateful to God that the baby was found and reunited with mother a day after the disappearance.
This is not the first occurrence and I believe may not be the last and is the reason why I welcome the calls for improved security protocols at the various health facilities across the country.
Several speculative narratives are flying all over with calls for a harsher punishment.
As unfortunate as the action of the suspect was, it is important that she is also checked mentally and psychologically. A number of factors may have contributed to this action including an inability to conceive and the ensuing societal pressure and stigma of barrenness.
A lot of women are facing such challenges but have not mustered the courage to attempt such a heinous crime. This should occupy the minds of agencies responsible for women issues to increase awareness on situations like this.
A woman whose marriage is collapsing under the weight of barrenness can be affected psychologically and, in that situation, could arrive at any decision.
Naa Torshie,
Dansoman
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